Multiple Choice
In an introductory acids context, which is a common use of nitric acid ()?
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17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
Acids Introduction
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Which of the following is a weak acid in water?
A
B
C
(acetic acid)
D
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the difference between strong and weak acids. Strong acids completely dissociate in water, releasing all their protons (H\+), while weak acids only partially dissociate, establishing an equilibrium between the acid and its ions.
Step 2: Identify the acids given: HBr (hydrobromic acid), HCl (hydrochloric acid), CH3COOH (acetic acid), and HNO3 (nitric acid).
Step 3: Recall that HBr, HCl, and HNO3 are known as strong acids because they fully ionize in aqueous solution.
Step 4: Recognize that CH3COOH (acetic acid) is a weak acid because it only partially ionizes in water, meaning it does not release all its protons and exists in equilibrium with its ions.
Step 5: Conclude that among the given options, CH3COOH is the weak acid in water, while the others are strong acids.
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